Chemotherapy

Definition

Chemotherapy is a treatment used to kill cancer cells. It involves taking medications that are toxic to fast-growing cells like cancer cells.

Reasons for Procedure

Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer. The goal is to reduce the number of cancer cells or decrease the size of tumors.

Side Effects

Many types of chemotherapy drugs not only damage the cancer cells but can also damage some of your normal cells. This can create side effects. Side effects will vary between chemotherapy treatments. Your doctor will review a list of possible side effects for your treatment type. Some side effects of chemotherapy include:

How Long Will It Take?

How long it will take depends on the method used, the number of medications, and the amount of each medication. A session may be as brief as the time it takes to swallow a pill. It could also take several hours or last overnight. Some types of chemotherapy can be given as a continuous infusion through a portable pump.

Will It Hurt?

The treatment may cause a number of uncomfortable side effects. The delivery of the chemotherapy usually does not hurt.

Average Hospital Stay

Most often, you can leave after the medication is delivered. Some chemotherapy treatments will require a stay in the hospital. This may be about 2-3 days.

Your doctor may choose to keep you in the hospital if you have complications, such as severe vomiting.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You may be given any of the following:

Medications to take at home, such as anti-nausea medication

Injections of an immune-system or blood cell boosting drug

Other drugs, including steroids, allergy medications, sedatives, and antibiotics

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Get a lot of sleep.

Try to do some physical activity each day. Exercise can help to reduce fatigue.

Try to avoid people with diseases that can be spread easily, including children. Chemotherapy will likely weaken your immune system. Viral illnesses, such as the
cold
or
flu
, can have serious effects.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s
instructions.

Your doctor may order any of the following tests to check the progress of your treatment:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.